The Standing Committee on Vaccination (STIKO) recommends that all adults over the age of 65 should be vaccinated. The vaccine PPSV23 should be used, as it protects against 23 of a total of more than 90 serotypes. A general booster is not recommended for healthy persons and should be decided on a case-by-case basis by the attending physician.
However, for the above-mentioned persons with an increased risk of severe pneumococcal disease, a booster is recommended after at least six years (STIKO with reference to the technical information on PPSV23). If a booster is given before the 6-year period has elapsed, considerable side effects are to be expected.
For immunocompromised patients and for patients with chronic diseases such as asthma, COPD, emphysema, seizure disorders, cerebral palsy and diabetes mellitus, an initial sequential vaccination with PCV13 is recommended. Only after 6 to 12 months, vaccination with PPSV23 should then be given.